layton elderly housing project clears another hurdle

Thursday , March 06, 2014 - 9:18 AM

Antone Clark, Standard-Examiner Correspondent

LAYTON — A special housing project for senior citizens in the southern part Layton has cleared yet another hurdle.

The city council voted unanimously Thursday to finalize a development agreement for a senior housing complex at 250 N. Adamswood Road. The project, known as Legacy Cottages, will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units targeted for senior citizens, ranging in size from 700 to 1,100 square feet. The finalized agreement pared the number of proposed units from 155 to 150. The project is being developed by Western States Lodging Inc.

The plan has been stuck in the city’s review process for some time. The latest wrinkle in the project marks the eighth time the project has undergone some sort of public review in the city, according to Tyler Miles, who represents the development company.

Twice tabled over concerns raised by residents, developers modified their construction model to create more of a buffer between the project and homes located to the north of the proposed building. City officials also proposed widening the roadway between Antelope Drive and 300 North on Adamswood Drive and proposed a four-way stop on 300 North as part of the compromises made to address concerns.

Some of those changes have already been completed, according to Bill Wright, director of community and economic development.

“We believe it will be a great addition to our community. It’s well designed and there is certainly a need for this,” Wright said.

Councilman Barry Flitton also praised the efforts of city staff and the developer to address concerns and modify the project.

“This is one of the areas that took the heat for too many apartments. We met with neighbors who felt like this is the best use for the land,” Flitton said.

Another component of the project will include a complete analysis with a master plan for the water line that comes down North Adamswood Road. City Engineer James Woodruff said the study will determine the demand the new complex will put on the system.